Court Says Will Created on Tablet Computer Valid

Times they are a changing! In the past, courts were extremely strict, and conservative when it came to important estate documents like wills and trusts. Certain verbiage is required, and conditions vary by state.

It’s always wise to be sure you know your individual state laws and their probate requirements in order that you not open up any reason these documents could be contested after your passing.

A recent article in the Chronicle-Telegram indicates that courts are being more open to new technologies that may provide new ways to memorialize your wishes. Here’s the story:

Last resort: Write that will on your tablet–

An Ohio probate court has ruled that a will written by Javier Castro on a Samsung Galaxy tablet computer is valid because no paper was available.

The decedent’s brothers testified that the decedent told them how he wanted to divide up the estate. One of the brothers wrote down those instructions on the tablet using a stylus. Later that day the decedent signed the will on the tablet with both of his brothers witnessing the signature and after he died the brothers printed out a copy of the will and submitted it to probate.

So what do you think? Is it okay to simplify estate planning documents using present day technologies and does that leave the doors open for someone to contest it?

Do we need to ask the individual states to design legislation that will protect both the decedent and heirs when presented with these options, or not

This makes it much more important to be sure you work with a qualified attorney to help you manage your estate documents to be sure their validity will not be challenged after you’re gone.

Patricia Annino is a sought after speaker and nationally recognized authority on women and estate planning. She educates and empowers women to value themselves and their contributions in order to ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS in the world – and in so doing PROTECT THEMSELVES, those they love, and the organizations they care about. Annino recently released an updated version of her successful book, Women and Money: A Practical Guide to Estate Planning to include recent changes in the laws that govern how we protect our assets during and beyond our lifetime. To download Annino’s FREE eBook, Estate Planning 101 visit, http://www.patriciaannino.com.

“Patricia Annino’s book and presentation of, Women and Money, is an engaging discussion of the many legal issues surrounding financial health and wellbeing that women need to know. Through the use of relevant examples, Ms. Annino keeps the “discussion” a lively learning experience. This book, and Ms. Annino’s programs, are a must for women, regardless of their financial capacity!”

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“Patricia presented a dynamic estate planning lecture during a luncheon with the university’s UO Women membership, in Portland, OR, and then addressed a group of development and estate planning professionals at an afternoon reception. The woman has endless energy and enthusiasm for her topic. At both events, our guests were impressed by Patricia’s programs.”

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Patricia spoke to a group of women at our Temple in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Patricia has an ability to cover a broad range of topics concerning money and estate planning and motivates her audience to take action. The response from her speech was outstanding as she really engaged the audience.

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